Sherman Oaks homes razed for 405?

February 27, 2008 12:00:00 AM PST

SHERMAN OAKS --

A 405 Freeway-widening project may force some residents in Sherman Oaks out of their homes.The $950 million project will add a northbound carpool lane on the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass. Homeowners near Valley Vista and Sherman Oaks Ave. got a postcard in the mail from Caltrans notifying them that homes may be bulldozed to make way for the project.

The plan comes after Brentwood residents opposed another plan for a freeway expansion on the southbound 405. People in this Sherman Oaks neighborhood aren't happy the focus is now on them.

"Everybody would rather pretty much not see anything done at all," said Wayne Williams of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. "We've waited 20 years to get a sound-proofing wall. And the problem southbound will still not be fixed."

According to The Daily News, Caltrans officials say the plans are final. The expansion is set to begin sometime next year.